Family reunification in Portugal

Since 23 October 2025, Portugal's new foreigners law (Lei 61/2025) has tightened family reunification. The general rule is that the resident must have held a valid residence permit for at least 2 years before applying; but minor children and the families of golden visa, D3 (highly qualified) and EU Blue Card holders are exempt from this wait. Portugal's Constitutional Court struck down the first version of the law in August 2025, and the final text was passed with more exceptions.

Who has to wait?

In practice, D7, D8 and D2 holders without children usually wait 2 years (or 15 months) to bring a spouse, while families with minor children can apply without a wait. The minister can also shorten or waive the period in exceptional, reasoned cases.

Other conditions

• The marriage or partnership must be valid under Portuguese law, and both partners must be at least 18.
• Adequate housing for the family members.
• Sufficient means; social benefits do not count as income.
• Family members must attend Portuguese language and constitutional-values training.
• AIMA's decision deadline for these applications is 9 months, and it can be extended.

Usual documents

• The resident's valid residence card
• Marriage or partnership certificate and the children's birth certificates, translated and legalised as required
• Proof of income and a lease or title deed
• Passports and criminal record certificates for adult family members

Plan it right from the start

If you plan to move to Portugal with your family, choosing the residency route is the key decision: the golden visa and D3 accept families without a wait, while for the D7 and D8 the order of applications and your children's situation are decisive. Compare Portuguese residency routes

Frequently asked questions

When can I bring my spouse to Portugal on a D7?

Under the new law, usually after 2 years of residence, or 15 months if you lived together for at least 18 months before entering. If you have a minor child together, your spouse and children can apply without a wait.

Do my children have to wait?

No. Dependent minor or incapacitated children are exempt from the waiting period.

Do golden visa holders' families have to wait?

No. Families of golden visa, highly qualified (D3) and EU Blue Card holders are exempt from the waiting period.

This guide is based on the final text of Lei 61/2025 as published in Portugal's official gazette and applies to applications filed after 23 October 2025.